Such an interesting tour! Mr Singh Holman will guide your eye to the many many facets (and arms) involved in the accomplished and serious business constructing massive sculptures destined for the bottom of the Ganges. I was immersed in goddess stories, decades long housing lawsuits, soapy kissing scenes and more! Go, enjoy, sweat, don’t wear white
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O2007RWrobynw
September 12, 2026
Another new world around each corner and yet did not feel like an outsider
Our third tour with Manjit and we were not disappointed!!! It felt like Manjit connected us to the stories and lives of the Kumortuli artisans, that as tourists we would not otherwise have had. Very grateful to have found Manjit and his tours! He attended to our every need! And his passion for his work and city shines through!
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ajaykrishnav
August 4, 2026
A Shoot Worth Remembering!
Amazing experience. This was my first ever photoshoot and Manjit made me feel really comfortable. July was a perfect time to visit since i got to see the Durga Puja clay dolls in different stage of its lifecycle.
This is a must do if you're a photographer but Manjit packed so much history and info in this tour that just anyone touring Kolkata will find it enlightening.
Lastly try to couple this with Manjit's Mallick Ghat tour so that you can visit the Howrah and catch a ferry between the spots!
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MDZurich
January 9, 2026
The Must Do When In Kolkata (Calcutta)
In the absence of being able to find a guide in Calcutta I thankfully came across Manjit. Over several days I joined him on different tours - it was a fantastic way to see the city. I met some great people - fellow travellers and photographers. Whilst it is a photography tour it's very relaxed in the sense you don't need to be a photographer. More keen to see and experience local life. Manjit knows everyone and as such we were welcomed warmly. He also ensures exclusive access. I found that Manjit covered history. architecture, art, culture, craft and many more topics. I wish there was a Manjit in every city I visited. His fine art quality prints are available to buy and make very special gifts/memories to bring home.
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Ppoossttyy
January 6, 2026
The Goddess delivered
Really enjoyed our walk around the sculptor’s village learning about the process of making the deities. Manjit was an excellent host, had great stories and insights to share about all things Kolkata. I can highly recommend this experience. It was a great way to start our first trip to India
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AsiaFanCalifornia
December 12, 2025
Fascinating Kumortuli!
I can’t imagine a better tour than one of those offered by Calcutta Photo Tours. This particular tour takes you to a unique neighborhood in Kolkata, Kumortuli. You will wander through the small lanes and into the studios of amazing ceramic artists. India has no shortage of religious festivals and these artists create all of the statues needed for those holidays. As a lifelong resident Manjit, the owner, knows the neighborhood and the artist residents are his friends. If you’re a photographer, his knowledge and friendships will give you access to areas you would otherwise not be welcome. He is a talented photographer himself, so he knows what interests people in the field. He will give you as much, or as little, guidance as you like. If you’re a woman, traveling on your own, you may have concerns about your safety in Kolkata. I assure you Manjit works hard to make you feel secure and well cared for. This is a fascinating city; for photographers it’s a dream destination.
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RosemaryDOntario
November 30, 2025
LOVED IT
We were three with Manjit this morning. We had just arrived for first visit in Kolkata. The other woman was repeating this walk with Manjit for the third time having fallen in love with the city when she first explored with him some years ago.
Manjit is big fun, knowledgeable and in love with the city and this neighborhood himself and his affection is contagious. Now we too have fallen in love. He made us with his excellent renditions of the tales of the gods. He has affectionate relationships with the artisans so we were welcome and got to see things up close. He’s an excellent and passionate photographer so lots of opportunities for wonderful photos but evetif you’re not into that/ I just had my phone and loved snapping/ the tour is great. Highly recommend
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Quest08676963339
November 23, 2025
A great experience with a lot of learning
This review is long overdue. I was in Kolkata during the Puja festival and reached out to Manjit for a spot on the Kolkata 3-Hour Tour of Kumortuli. I must say, it was a great experience!
Manjit was booked solid for the season but he said he would contact me if something opened up. The night before the tour, I believe he had a cancelation and he reached out.
Location was in Kumartoli, in Kolkata, where the artisans build beautiful idols from clay and hay. A group of us joined Manjit for the tour and the 3-3.5 hours were filled with history, learning, arts, awe and a deep respect for all the work the artisans do every year.
Manjit was very knowledgeable about the way the process works and even threw in snippets of history and kept us entertained throughout the tour. There were a lot of photo opportunities throughout the tour and it was a lot of fun. Too bad my SD card got corrupted when I got back but the memories of the tour and the sights will stay imprinted on my mind forever.
Will definitely try to connect with Manjit and Calcutta Photo Tours the next time I am visiting - this time for the Flower Market.
- Sachin B.
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Maria A
October 28, 2025
Another great tour with Manjit!
After the success of my first tour with Manjit at the Flowers’ market, I decided to book a second one. In this case, “The Goddess Beckons Tour” which allows you to get behind the scenes of the potters’ quarter in Calcutta. It was an incredible experience, particularly because I would have missed it without Manjit’s help. No wonder why it is considered one of the seven wonders of Calcutta! Again, three hours of good fun and culture exploring this area of the city and plenty of opportunities to get some pictures which are far from being ordinary. Manjit knows his way around the quarter and potters greet him warmly which allows for a far better experience. Black and white does great justice to the feeling of the tour. You won’t regret if you join this one (or any of the others).
Thank you friend 🙏🏼
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Rengasamy_P
September 28, 2025
The Potters of Kolkata
Going around during the Durga Puja time is a festive atmosphere in this area. Unfortunately I couldn’t really witness any statue being made.
事業者からの返答
Thank you so much for joining The Goddess Beckons Tour and for sharing your feedback. I’m truly sorry that the experience didn’t feel perfect for you.
Durga Puja time is indeed magical and, as you mentioned, the area is filled with a festive atmosphere. In the weeks leading up to the festival the artisans are busy sculpting the clay images of the Goddess, but by the days just before Puja (which was the time when you took the tour) the focus shifts to finishing touches, painting and installing the idols. During your visit we were able to see many idols in clay, some being painted and others having their eyes drawn — a rare and sacred moment — but not the full sculpting process, which happens earlier in the season.
This tour is designed as a photography-focused experience, created especially for people who want to explore, pause, and photograph these moments at their own pace. For guests who aren’t keen on photography, like you, especially during the very busy festival days, it may feel less tailored to their interests.
We always do our best to guide visitors through this traditional neighbourhood at a comfortable pace, but the lanes can get crowded and warm at this time of year, which can be challenging, particularly if walking is difficult.
I deeply appreciate your comments because they help future guests choose the timing and type of experience that suits them best — whether it’s seeing the sculpting weeks before Puja, the vibrant festival atmosphere closer to the celebrations, or a non-photography-oriented visit.
Tip for future guests: if you’re especially interested in watching the idols being sculpted, or if you’d prefer a non-photography walk, please reach out before booking — I’m always happy to recommend the best timing or an alternative experience.
Thank you again for taking the time to write. I wish you both wonderful travels ahead!
Warm regards,
Manjit
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